Advanced Training in Fork Truck Operation.

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

backward. The next operating practice should be circles

or figure eights, performed at reduced speed. The

instructor should closely observe the trainees as they

perform these maneuvers.

(2) Obstacle course. After the trainees have

performed the basic maneuvers, the instructor should

have them set up an obstacle course constructed of

empty pallets. The pallets should be placed on edge in

a straight line and so spaced as to allow a fork truck to

pass freely between them (fig 4-113). In traveling over

this course, the fork truck weaves in and out between

the pallets. Each trainee should traverse this course

until they have become proficient in moving between

the pallets in free, easy curves. As each trainee

performs, the instructor should emphasize the danger of

sudden stops and starts or turns with the fork truck.

Sudden starts and stops may cause the pallet loads to

Figure 4-114. Practice aisles set up with empty

upset, thus endangering the safety of personnel and

pallets.

probably resulting in damage to the material. All turns

should be made as gradually as possible. Long, slow

turns allow the operator to gauge distances and

accurately place loads without loss of time. Spotting

loads in the warehouse is a maneuver which requires

extreme accuracy. Adequate time should be allowed for

the trainee to practice these maneuvers before

proceeding with further instructions.

Figure 4-113. Obstacle course for operator training.

(3) Operation in aisles. The next step in the

training course should be the operation of the truck in

aisles. First, empty pallets are arranged to form aisles

Figure 4-115. Experienced operators passing in an

of a width normally used at the installation for the size of

aisle.

the equipment used for training purposes with corners

and intersecting aisles as shown in figure 4-114. The

4-37. Advanced Training in Fork Truck Operation.

trainee should operate the fork truck up and down the

a. Load handling demonstration. The next period

aisles, both forward and backward. If two fork trucks are

of instruction (before the trainee operates the machine

available, two trainees should perform this operation at

with pallets) covers the following load handling

the same time, thus learning to pass in aisles (fig 4-

operations in the sequence given below:

115). Each trainee should then practice all that has

(1) Approaching a pallet (fig 4-116). Aim the

been learned to this point. After an adequate practice

forks of the truck to enter between the top and bottom

period, the instructor should make a careful evaluation

boards of the pallet, at an equal distance from the

of the performance to date to determine which trainees

center stringers.

are to be eliminated, retained, or given advanced

training.

4-83